Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, City and Veterans Outreach Center to Honor Military Heroes

October 25, 2011

Mayor Thomas S. Richards and City Council Vice President Elaine Spaull announced today that the City and the Veteran’s Outreach Center (VOC), with the support of Compeer, will present a special concert in honor of veterans featuring the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and special guests under the direction of Conductor Paul Shewan.

The City’s third annual RPO Honoring Our Heroes Concert will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11 in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St. The concert will pay tribute to Rochester’s military veterans by providing area residents an opportunity to enjoy patriotic-themed music.

Tickets are “pay-what-you-can,” with a suggested price of $5. (up to two complimentary tickets available for veterans, while supplies last). Tickets are available at the Eastman Theatre Box Office, 433 E. Main St. or by calling 454-2100.

RPO President and CEO Charlie Owens; VOC President and CEO Col. James McDonough and Compeer CEO and President Dana Frame, joined Mayor Richards for today’s announcement. CompeerCorps, a Compeer program for veteran volunteers who offer peer mentoring to veterans, works alongside the Veterans Outreach Center.

“We are proud to welcome this annual tradition of honoring our brave veterans with this amazing music provided by the RPO,” said Mayor Richards. “We are fortunate to bring together two of this community’s most important treasures – our veterans and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.”

"I am grateful that Veterans Outreach Center can join forces with the City, Compeer and the RPO to honor our veterans and broaden the community’s awareness of the work we do to help these brave men and women regain their physical, mental and economic well-being,” said retired Colonel McDonough. “It is an evening you won’t want to miss.”

The program will feature patriotic favorites including America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever and a piece from the movie Saving Private Ryan. Special guests will include the Roberts Wesleyan Chorale directed by Jamie Spillane. Parking will be available for $2 in the East End Garage, 475 E. Main St.

News Media: For more information, contact Gary Walker at the City of Rochester at 428-7405.